Objective: the main objective was to analyze the effects that an exercise programme based on the Pilates method would have on balance confidence, fear of falling, and postural control among women ≥60 years old. Methods: a total of 110 women (69.15 ± 8.94 years) participated in this randomized, controlled trial that took place in Jaén (Spain). The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 55), which received no intervention, or to a Pilates group (n = 55), which carried out an exercise programme based on the Pilates method in 60-minute sessions for 12 weeks. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International and the activity-specific balance confidence scale were respectively used to assess fear of falling and balance confidence in performing activities of daily living. Postural control was evaluated using a stabilometric platform. Results: Regarding balance confidence, the Pilates group showed higher values compared to the control group (77.52 ± 18.27 vs 72.35 ± 16.39, Cohen's d = 0.030). Women in the Pilates group showed lower fear of falling, compared to those of the control group (22.07 ± 5.73 vs 27.9 ± 6.95, Cohen's d = 0.041). Finally, concerning static balance, participants of the Pilates group experienced statistically significant improvements on the velocity and anteroposterior movements of the centre of pressure with eyes open and closed respectively (Cohen's d = 0.44 and 0.35 respectively). Conclusion: A 12week Pilates training programme has beneficial effects on balance confidence, fear of falling and postural stability, in elderly women.

Objective: To examine the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and its ability to discriminate between women with and without female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among Spanish postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 152 postmenopausal women completed the Spanish version of FSFI. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) were analyzed. Concurrent and divergent validity were assessed using a visual analog scale for overall satisfaction with sexual life and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively. To determine the ability and the accuracy of the FSFI total score in discriminating between women with and without FSD, a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. Results: Factor analysis suggested a three-factor structure (explained variance 77.77%). The Spanish FSFI showed substantial-to-excellent test-retest reliability, with good internal consistency in the FSFI total score (Cronbach's alpha = 0.964), and also in its three dimensions. The FSFI total and domains scores showed strong (r > 0.50) and significant correlations (P < 0.01) with overall satisfaction with sexual life (concurrent validity), and low correlations with anxiety and depression (divergent validity). The Spanish FSFI total score and dimensions were significantly able to discriminate between women with and without FSD (P < 0.05), with an optimal cut-off point of <24.95 for the FSFI total score (64.15% sensitivity and 75.76% specificity). Conclusions: The Spanish FSFI is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing and discriminating for FSD among Spanish postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to examine female sexual functioning and its association with the impact of the symptoms of menopause among Spanish postmenopausal women. A total of 182 postmenopausal women (65.59 ± 7.93 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The female sexual function index (FSFI) and the menopause rating scale (MRS) were used to analyze sexual function and severity of menopausal symptoms, respectively. Age, education, area of residence, occupation, and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were considered as possible confounders. The results of a linear multivariate regression analysis showed that the severity of urogenital menopause-related symptoms was associated with lower values in the FSFI total score and the lubrication, satisfaction, arousal, and orgasm domains. These last three subscales were also linked to severe psychological impact, while the MRS total score was only related to the desire domain. Regarding confounders, being younger, working, and residing in a rural area were all linked to better sexual function. All effect sizes were large (adjusted R2 > 0.35). In conclusion, after controlling for possible confounders, postmenopausal women who experience a severe impact of menopausal symptoms endure poorer sexual function, particularly when said symptoms are urogenital or psychological in nature.

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